No fatalities

30 Jul 2017: CHAMPION 7ECA NO SERIES — Butler, PA

Butler, PA, United States

On 30 Jul 2017, a CHAMPION 7ECA NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Butler, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a crosswind landing, a tailwheel airplane's upwind wing lifted, causing it to swerve off the runway and hit a sign with its left wing, resulting in substantial damage.

Accident Overview

A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a runway excursion during landing in crosswind conditions. The pilot was performing a landing roll on runway 8 when, while attempting to maintain the centerline, the upwind wing lifted, causing the airplane to veer left off the runway.

Damage and Impact

During the excursion, the left wing's lift strut struck a runway sign, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation.

Wind Conditions

An automated weather observation station at the airport recorded wind from 150° at 3 knots around the time of the accident. The pilot stated the landing was conducted on runway 8.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcomeEffect on operation